Living Language shares Ron Corn Jr.'s attempt to teach his daughter, Mimikwaeh, to be a first language speaker of the Menominee language. This video is part of The Ways, an ongoing series of stories on culture and language from Native communities around the central Great Lakes.

Two Spiritsinterweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at the largely unknown history of a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders.

Fred Martinez was nádleehí, a male-bodied person with a feminine nature, a special gift according to his ancient Navajo culture. He was one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Two Spirits explores the life and death of this boy who was also a girl, and the essentially spiritual nature of gender.

Two Spirits tells compelling stories about traditions that were once widespread among the indigenous cultures of North America. The film explores the contemporary lives and history of Native two-spirit people — who combine the traits of both men and women with qualities that are also unique to individuals who express multiple genders.

The Navajo believe that to maintain harmony, there must be a balanced interrelationship between the feminine and the masculine within the individual, in families, in the culture, and in the natural world. Two Spirits reveals how these beliefs are expressed in a natural range of gender diversity. For the first time on film, it examines the Navajo concept of nádleehí, “one who constantly transforms.”

In Navajo culture, there are four genders; some indigenous cultures recognize more. Native activists working to renew their cultural heritage adopted the English term “two-spirit” as a useful shorthand to describe the entire spectrum of gender and sexual expression that is better and more completely described in their own languages. The film demonstrates how they are revitalizing two-spirit traditions and once again claiming their rightful place within their tribal communities.

Two Spirits mourns the young Fred Martinez and the threatened disappearance of the two-spirit tradition, but it also brims with hope and the belief that we all are enriched by multi-gendered people, and that all of us — regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or cultural heritage — benefit from being free to be our truest selves.

In Powwow Trail, Dylan Jennings shares a weekend of singing with Midnite Express and dancing at the Oneida Powwow. This video is part of The Ways, an ongoing series of stories on culture and language from Native communities around the central Great Lakes.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Please help this young Traditional Fancy Dancer find her Traditional outfit!!!

A Cree powwow dancer is desperate for the return of her gear after a suitcase fell out of her pick-up truck Saturday.Roberta Kakinoosit was about to drive to a powwow in Peace River in northwest Alberta when the suitcase slipped out the open tailgate of her truck in her Edmonton neighbourhood.The suitcase contained intricately-beaded moccasins, leggings, capes and dresses, valued at $4,000.On Sunday, she found the empty suitcase near one of the signs she had put up in her neighbourhood."Everything in there means a lot. One of the most important things out of everything in there was my feathers," she told CBC News.The black-tipped eagle feathers were given to her as recognition of her work as a dancer.Whoever found the regalia could not realize what the items mean to her, she said.Dancing gives her the strength to battle her addictions, Kakinoosit said."It's part of healing so everytime I put my gear on and I dance it's prayer and I pray for myself, I pray for my family."WATCH TH VIDEOhttp://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2013/06/10/edmonton-powwow-gear-lost-suitcase.html?cmp=rss

heels.comDon't sweat what to wear when you have the Swaret by Steve Madden. This trendy ankle boot delivers a soft beige leather and studs and aztec fabric on the 6 1/2 inch shaft. A low 1 1/2 inch heel completes this sleek style. Leather Upper. Man Made Sole. Made In China

Come out and Join the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society in celebrating National Aboriginal Day Friday June 21, 2013.

What is NAD?

The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (First Nations), Inuit and Métis. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.Many people have pushed for a national day to recognize and celebrate Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and cultures prior to 1996. For example, in 1982 the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for June 21 to be National Aboriginal Solidarity Day. In 1995 the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended for a National First Peoples Day to be designated. The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal peoples.Canada’s governor general proclaimed the first National Aboriginal Day in 1996. In cooperation with Aboriginal organizations, the Canadian government chose June 21 for National Aboriginal Day because it was on or near the June solstice. Many of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day for many generations. National Aboriginal Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the unique achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in fields as diverse as agriculture, the environment, business and the arts.

Canada’s National Aboriginal Day is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. There are three Aboriginal groups in Canada – the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.What do people do?Canada’s National Aboriginal Day gives many people the chance to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions towards the country’s development and progress. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have the opportunity to showcase their cultures and achievements throughout Canada on this day.National Aboriginal Day events are held in every region across Canada. Activities and events include (but are not limited to):

Summer solstice festivals.

Barbecue fundraiser.

Social networking gatherings with traditional music, dance and singing.

Traditional feasts, which may include fry bread and BUFFALO BURGERS & hotdogs.

The cutting of a cake to honor National Aboriginal Day.

National Aboriginal Day in Canada gives people of all walks of life the opportunity to celebrate and share knowledge about the Aboriginal peoples’ values, customs, languages, and culture.

These beaded sunglasses were made by Cree/Metis artist Candace Halcro. They feature cat eye style tortoise shell frames that have been hand-beaded using multicolored seed beads in turquoise, gold, black, and fire colors.Each pair is one of a kind. Held to the frames by contact cement, the glass beads will not come loose with regular wear. Custom orders are available upon request at an increased price. One size.$69.00

Edzerza is Alano’s family name, passed down over the last hundred years. The origin of the name comes from Alano’s great-great-grandfather, Asadza. The name itself is ages old, and has been a part of the Tahltan nation from time immemorial. The Tahltan nation is located in the North West corner of British Columbia, and is the largest traditional territory in the province. Tahltan culture reflects a mix of both Athabascan and Coastal traditions. Historically, the Tahltan people are very industrious, sustaining themselves for thousands of years with the rich resources of their tribal territory. In pre-contact times, Tahltan people had an elaborate trading economy based on their position between the coastal trade and the inland tribes. They are very proud of their tradition of commercial enterprise and continue to be extremely active in the modern economy of their traditional territory. They have two clans: Tsesk’iye (Raven clan) and Ch’iyone (Wolf clan). Alano belongs to the Raven clan and feels a deep connection to the Tahltan creation story featuring the Raven.Alano began sketching at an early age and won a district award in junior high school for clay sculpture. This gave him the confidence and inspiration to increase his artistic skill. At the age of 21, Alano entered the tutelage of family member and fellow artist Terrance Campbell. In 2002, Alano furthered his education by attending school in Arizona for jewelry making under the instruction of Rick Charlie. Alano has moved through many different mediums: pencil sketches, jewelry, acrylics, glass works, grand-scale installations, wood panels and now, performance sportswear. Over the years he has also had the opportunity to work with artists Jay Simeon, Marcel Russ, Philip Grey, Corey Bulpitt, and many others. Alano was also fortunate enough to have a three year apprenticeship with Rick Adkins, whom Alano considers one of the top jewelry

This ladies bold oversized frame makes a strong fashion statement and people have commented that they feel like a movie star when wearing them. The design is lasered so that elements of the design are either a rich color or clear crystal, which allows for a dramatic yet tasteful contrast. Althea features a unique eagle design and comes in a lustrous black, dramatic purple, rich red and soft brown. Impact and scratch resistant acrylic lenses - UV400

AboutA unique blend of cultural pride and graphic designs that's printed on everyday wear. If your interested in buying any of my gear please send me a message and I will check if its in stock. Only express post shipping is available.DescriptionWolf Pack Apparel blends First Nations Pride, Culture and unique graphic designs to create an amazing brand of personal cultural style for any occasion. Our designs, catchy slogans, and affordable pricing keeps our customers coming back year after year.The first brand created under Wolf Pack Apparel was the Native Baller line of clothing. Since then it’s grown to include: Rez Warrior, Rez Hockey, Native Fight Gear, Brown Skin Girl, and First Nations Warrior. Our most recent brands include: Fearless, Pretty Lady and Addictive clothing. In addition to these we have a complete line of cultural shirts, sports shirts and the always popular parody shirts.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

OUTSTANDING READING GLASSES!

$60.00

This optical quality handmade reader features a custom zyl material. Each pair of Esme readers is individually made and the laminate zyl material and colours are customized to allow the beautiful First Nations artwork to stand out. The dramatic designs on the temples are paired with fashionable solid coloured fronts so the end look, while making a strong statement, is very wearable day-to-day. Esme features a custom eagle design by Corrine Hunt. High quality scratch and impact resistant aspheric lenses.

Tracy Toulouse, an Ojibway from the Bear Clan, grew up on the Sagamok Anishnawabek First Nation.

Tracy's spirit name is Enimid kwe ehzhosit - "Woman who dances with kindness".

This award-winning designer has followed her cultural teachings, ‘to share your gifts and knowledge with others’ by pushing the boundaries of her cultural motifs.

The natural fabrics of wool, leather and cotton are appliquéd, embroidered and decorated with hand-carved wooden buttons, bone and feathers and used to create a line of colourful and graphic clothing and accessories. The line ranges from street to evening wear.

Aboriginal designers and musicians represent the First Nations, so it is important for NAFW to recognize the rich culture and history of this country and the montage of heritage that is what Aboriginal Culture is today. NAFW takes pride in showcasing the distinct heritage we have as Aboriginals through today’s fashion

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About Me

?Abananes (Good Morning/Afternoon)
My name is Jill Setah I am a First Nations Fashion Designer from the Chilcotin Nation and my people are the Yunesitin people. I am a loving mother of 4 children and life long partner of one.
(Thank You )Sechanelyagh